DB2 Version 9.7 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows

DB2 installation methods

This topic provides information about DB2® installation methods. The following table shows the installation methods that are available by operating system.

The following list describes DB2 installation methods.

DB2 Setup wizard

The DB2 Setup wizard is a GUI installer available on Linux, UNIX, and Windows operating systems. The DB2 Setup wizard provides an easy-to-use interface for installing DB2 products and for performing initial setup and configuration tasks.

The DB2 Setup wizard can also create DB2 instances and response files that can be used to duplicate this installation on other machines.

Note:

For non-root installations on Linux and UNIX platforms, only one DB2 instance can exist. The DB2 Setup wizard automatically creates the non-root instance.

On Linux and UNIX platforms, an X server is required to display the DB2 Setup wizard.

Response file installation

A response file is a text file that contains setup and configuration values. The file is read by the DB2 setup program and the installation is performed according to the values that have been specified.

A response file installation is also referred to as a silent installation.

Another advantage to response files is that they provide access to parameters that cannot be set using the DB2 Setup wizard.

On Linux and UNIX operating systems, if you embed the DB2 installation image in your own application, it is possible for your application to receive installation progress information and prompts from the installer in computer-readable form. This behavior is controlled by the INTERACTIVE response file keyword.

There are a number of ways to create a response file:

Using the response file generator

You can use the response file generator to create a response file that replicates an existing installation. For example, you might install an IBM® data server client, fully configure the client, then generate a response file to replicate the installation and configuration of the client to other computers.

Using the DB2 Setup wizard

The DB2 Setup wizard can create a response file based on the selections you make as you proceed through the DB2 Setup wizard. Your selections are recorded in a response file that you can save to a location on your system. If you select a partitioned database installation, two response files will be generated, one for the instance-owning computer and one for participating computers.

One benefit of this installation method is that you can create a response file without performing an installation. This feature can be useful to capture the options required to install the DB2 product. The response file can be used at a later time to install the DB2 product according to the exact options you specified.

You can export a client or server profile with the db2cfexp command to save your client or server configuration, and then easily import the profile using the db2cfimp command. A client or server profile exported with the db2cfexp command can also be imported during a response file installation using the CLIENT_IMPORT_PROFILE keyword.

You should export the client or server profile after performing the installation and cataloging any data sources.

Customizing the sample response files that are provided for each DB2 product

An alternative to using the response file generator or the DB2 Setup wizard to create a response file is to manually modify a sample response file. Sample response files are provided on the DB2 product DVD. The sample response files provide details about all the valid keywords for each product.

db2_install command (Linux and UNIX platforms only)

The db2_install command installs all components for the DB2 product you specify with the English interface support. You can select additional languages to support with the -L parameter. You cannot select or deselect components.

Although the db2_install command installs all components for the DB2 product you specify, it does not perform user and group creation, instance creation, or configuration. This method of installation might be preferred in cases where configuration is to be done after installation. To configure your DB2 product while installing it, consider using the DB2 Setup wizard.

On Linux and UNIX operating systems, if you embed the DB2 installation image in your own application, it is possible for your application to receive installation progress information and prompts from the installer in computer-readable form.

This installation methods requires manual configuration after the product files are deployed.

Payload file deployment (Linux and UNIX only)

This method is an advanced installation method that is not recommended for most users. It requires the user to physically install payload files. A payload file is a compressed tarball that contains all of the files and metadata for an installable component.

This installation methods requires manual configuration after the product files are deployed.